VR for Calming Agitation and Responsive Behaviours
At A Glance
VR has the potential to play a significant role in managing behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD), including agitation, aggression, and responsive behaviours in acute and long-term care environments.
Research includes randomized controlled trials and veteran long-term care interventions where VR is used as a non-pharmacological behavioural intervention.
Key Research Findings
VR significantly reduces aggressive behaviours in acute dementia care
A randomized controlled trial found a statistically significant reduction in aggressive behaviours such as physical aggression and vocal agitation following VR therapy (Appel et al., 2024).
VR reduces observable responsive behaviours in long-term care sessions
61% of VR sessions in veteran care showed no responsive behaviours during or after exposure (Appel et al., 2022).
VR reduces reliance on pharmacological interventions during behavioural episodes
No as-needed medications were required during VR sessions in long-term care behavioural management contexts (Appel et al., 2022).
Targeted VR may reduce anticipated behavioural escalation
VR delivered prior to known triggers showed potential in reducing expected responsive behaviours in some cases (Appel et al., 2022).
Why This Matters
Managing behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (such as agitation, anxiety, or aggression) is essential for maintaining quality of life, reducing caregiver stress, and minimizing reliance on medications that can have significant side effects.
This positions caregiVR as a non-pharmacological behavioural support tool that may reduce reliance on medication, improve safety, and support staff managing behavioural escalation in both hospital and long-term care environments.
Our Publications
Appel, L., Appel, E., Kisonas, E., et al. (2024). Evaluating the impact of virtual reality on behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia and quality of life of inpatients with dementia in acute care. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 26, e51758. https://doi.org/10.2196/51758
Appel, L., Lewis, S., Kisonas, E., et al. (2022). Virtual reality for veteran relaxation: Can VR therapy help veterans living with dementia who exhibit responsive behaviors? Frontiers in Virtual Reality, 2, 724020. https://doi.org/10.3389/frvir.2021.724020